The Valley Community Association is continuing to host historic walking/shuttle tours of the Old First Ward and the Buffalo River waterfront in August and September. Remaining dates are Aug. 7 and 14 and Sept. 7 and 14.

Gene Overdorf, a native Old First Ward historian, will lead the tours, which will take place along the Buffalo River and cover the history of both its sides. He has read many books about the Ward, both fact and fiction, and has also interviewed “old timers” in the neighborhood to capture first-hand accounts of what life was like there years ago.

“Gene, who was born and raised in the First Ward on Mackinaw Street, has made it his life’s passion to study and research the history of the waterfront neighborhood,” a release states. “[He] blends the historical facts with the anecdotal stories on the tour, making it an event not to miss out on.”

Each tour will last approximately two hours and will start at Mutual Riverfront Park (41 Hamburg St.). The August tours will start at 6 p.m., while the tour on Sept. 7 will be held at 3 p.m., just prior to a theatrical production that will be held at Mutual Riverfront Park. The Sept. 14 tour will conclude the season and will be a bicycle tour that will begin at 10 a.m.

Those interested in participating in the tour should pre-register with the Valley Community Association by calling Peg at 823-4707, Ext. 2. A donation of $10 per person will be accepted.